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Murray, Earls sign new IRFU contracts

The IRFU have announced that Munster and Ireland pair Conor Murray and Keith Earls have signed new three-year contracts.

Earls was linked with a move to Premiership champions Saracens earlier this week.

IRFU Performance Director, David Nucifora, said: "Conor is a hugely important, admired and respected player and makes a real impact in every game he plays for Munster and Ireland.

"We are delighted that he has signed a new IRFU contract that will keep him at Munster until the end of the 2019 season.

He added: "We are delighted that Keith has signed a new IRFU contract which will see him remain a Munster player until the end of the 2019 season. Keith is a gifted footballer and has shown great commitment throughout his rugby career for both Munster and Ireland.

"The IRFU are committed to retaining players like Keith and we know that Munster and Ireland supporters will be delighted with today's news."

Commenting on the new contract, Conor added: "I am delighted to sign a new IRFU contract to continue playing my rugby with Munster.

"Having come through the Munster Academy it was a special moment for me and my family when I made my Munster debut in 2010, and to go on to represent Ireland is every young rugby player's dream.

"I look forward to pulling on the Munster and Ireland jerseys in the years to come."

Murray made his senior debut for Munster against Connacht in April 2010 and his Ireland debut against France in a World Cup warm-up match in August 2011.

Commenting on his deal, Earls said: "I am delighted to have signed a new IRFU contract to allow me to continue playing my rugby in Ireland and I look forward to playing my role in bringing success to both Munster and Ireland."

A graduate of the Munster Rugby Academy, Earls made his senior debut for Munster against the Ospreys in April 2007 and went on to make his Ireland debut in the 55-0 win over Canada in Thomond Park in November 2008.